Buffalo’s economic growth over the past decade was described as transformational by Mayor Byron W. Brown as he pointed to the city continuing its positive momentum with a strong, workable plan at a recent lecture held at Daemen College.

As featured speaker on Sept. 2 in the college’s latest Distinguished Leaders Lecture Series, Brown talked about major economic development efforts that have improved the city’s vitality and the overall impact the revitalization has had on the region.

“There are visible signs of progress and growth throughout the city, which has experienced $4.4 billion in economic development since 2012, with more than 12,000 new jobs expected to be created over the next few years,” said Brown. “These major investments are changing the city for the better and making it a destination where people want to work, live and play.”

Brown talked about strategic investments moving ahead in commercial districts and Buffalo neighborhoods with a focus on improving the quality of life while also spurring lasting economic growth.

“Take, for example, the new Buffalo Sabres hockey-themed entertainment complex known as the HarborCenter. This $172 million project, which is a key component of a $250 million investment in Buffalo’s waterfront, will generate hundreds of new jobs and bring more than 500,000 people annually to the city and our waterfront. It’s a project that will be truly transformational,” he said.

Brown acknowledged that when he was first elected Buffalo’s mayor in 2005 there were many challenges created over decades that needed to be overcome. Since then, the main strategy has been to improve the city’s economy and livability to help ensure future prosperity.

“It’s predicted,” he said, “that by 2020 Buffalo will experience its first population growth in decades. We are making investments in housing and revitalizing neighborhoods to encourage those working in the city to also live in the city, especially college graduates like those from Daemen who are educated in Western New York. As a whole, higher education is vital to the region’s economic growth.”

Stressing the importance of working collaboratively, Brown said that “Buffalo is on the move and building on its progress for the benefit of the city, the region and the state. The city is moving in the right direction for both businesses and residents.”